The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-12-10
CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN OHIO.

received letter from ministerial BROTH
er, expressing his appreciation of our re-
marks in our last letter regarding causes
of inactivity in many of our churches.
He says: In several places I have gone
to work with a view of educating the peo-
pie into genuine cooperation for the es-
Enlistment of our church as living
power, but before the object aimed at
had been accomplished, my year would
be up and perhaps the leading brother
would suggest that times are go hard I
guess we will have no preaching next
year. so our plans would come to naught
and we would have to begin again some
where else, with no assurance that our
efforts would have any better result
Such experiences are taking all the ener-
Ky out of me-"
Our observation convir ces us that
our churches depend too much upon their
ministers to do all the work. The people
go to "hear preaching" instead of attend
ing church for worship as we'll. Hence
the desire for "real smart preacher in
place of an earnest, faithful minister who
shall year after year lead his people into
purer life and larger activity.
Results of an Unsettled Condition.
We are acquainted with ministers in
the Presbyterian and other churches,
who have spent lifetime almost in one
parish, who, in pulpit ability are not to
be compared with ministers of our own
church, who rarely are SHRED" for more
than one or two years in any one place.
The result of this whimsicalness on the
part of our people 10 being rapidly mani
tested in Ohio. We have now only about
twenty ministers actively at work, where
there ought to be, and would be fifty, it.
conditions were favorable.
The State SUPPLEMENTARY.
We have hope for change for the bet
ter, although it may be 6 long time be-
fore it is brought about. For this rea-
son we earnestly advocate and support
the State SUPPLEMENTARY now in opera
ton in this State. Rev. Ell. L. Garfield has
just completed one year of service under
this name, and his labors have resulted in
great good in many directions. Churches
are at work that a year ago we're DOR
mant. Ministers have been secured in
several instances, and wherever he goes,
the people become better acquainted
with the church and its objects. Although
his Office is chiefly advisory, it has already
become bond of union to ministers and
churches. II the methods he has insti-
tuted receive the hearty support of those
really interested in our church, five years
hence will witness quite different and
a far more desirable aspect than is now
presented.
Visits of the Superintendent.
The Superintendent paid Woodstock
parish visit, and assisted in services be-
ginning Friday evening, Nov. Is, and
continuing till the following Monday
evening. He delivered sermons at every
service, and they we're inspiring and sug-
gestive, regarding life and duty. Not
withstanding inclemency of the weather,
the congregations were large, and two
young men and one young woman were
received into the church. He would
have remained longer, but pressing
call from Dudley, to hold series of
meetings there, led him to change his
plans, much to the regret of pastor and
people, who are anxiously awaiting the
time for another visitation" from our
bishop.
"All Souls Day"
was observed at Woodstock, by appropri-
ATE service and sermon, in the morning.
One of the largest congregations was
present that has assembled in the old
church for long time. In the evening
the Sunday-school held their Autumn
Concert, which gave great satisfaction to
all concerned.
Thanksgiving Day
was also duly observed by services suitable
to the day, that we're interesting and pro-
ubhUlo. LILO Adulo5 OOOldl OlEclo 10 pIOS-
pering. The semi-monthly meetings are
largely attended. At present the ladies are
preparing for their annual fair, which will
be held in Odd Fellows hall, on Wednes-
day and Thursday, Dec. II and Is. These
fairs are very popular events in this COM
munity.
Personal Notes.
Rev. Albert BEEN, who is a licentiate,
under the General Convention, has charge
of the Union school in the Northern part
of the town. He is valuable accession
to the working forces of the church.
BE-. M. d. Bradley and wife, faithful
and liberal workers in the Plain City
church, celebrated the tenth anniversary
of their marriage, November 81, by NOV
ing into new house, on their farm six
miles southwest OF town. About one
hundred and forty Of their friends par
ticipsted in the pleasures of the occasion,
and wished them "many happy returns"
Rev VIM. M. Backus is now estab-
lished in a circuit, composed OF the
churches in Manchester, Cuba and JET
fersonville. He resides at Manchester
and holds services there on alternate
Sundays, and gives one Sunday month
to each Of the other places.